Scouting Brian Dupra

Notre Dame right-handed pitcher Brian Dupra was drafted by the Tigers in the 11th round of the 2010 MLB draft. He struggled a bit this season as a member of Notre Dame’s weekend rotation with a 6.21 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 82.2 innings pitched.

Brian Dupra/Photo courtesy of und.com

Dupra has shown excellent durability during his three years at Notre Dame, as he has not missed a start in his college career. Notre Dame assistant coach Graham Sikes said he uses a three-pitch mix consisting of an 88-92 mph fastball that touches 94 mph, a hard slider and a changeup. Dupra shows good feel for his changeup, which helps his effectiveness against left-handed hitters. He also mixes in a two-seam fastball that has good movement.

Sikes thinks Dupra will be a more effective pitcher in professional baseball than he has been in college. “His ability to locate with velocity will work well with wood bats,” Sikes said.

Physically, Dupra is a big guy with very good arm strength and it is possible his stuff would play better in relief, though Sikes thinks he is capable of handling in either role. Dupra has pitched in relief each of the last two summers in the Cape Cod League, earning Cape Cod League All-Star honors in 2008.